The two Life Guard regiments can trace their histories back to the late 1650’s, when many English royalists crossed the Channel to join Charles II, son of Charles I who had been executed by Cromwell’s parliamentarians in 1649.

This cavalry unit is the senior regiment in the British Army, having been formed in the 1650s. It is now part of the Household Cavalry and operates as both an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard to the monarch.

As a result of the reappearance of Napoleon, the Household Cavalry Regiment was quickly reformed and sent over to Belgium at the earliest opportunity.

Lack of time for organisation meant that virtually the entire British cavalry contingent was grouped together under the command of Lord Uxbridge. The force was rushed to the battlefield that Wellington had chosen to meet Napoleon.

But, even before the battle begun, the First Life Guards were involved in a serious skirmish with scouting Lancers of the French Guard. These French lancers were already pursuing the 7th Hussars and 23rd Light Dragoons.

It was left to the Life Guards to retrieve the situation and to drive the French Lancers back to their own lines, killing a Lancer colonel as they went. They were now blooded and ready for the battle proper.

The regiment subsequently fought various actions across the battlefield as part of Lord Uxbridge’s cavalry.

This finishes the Household Cavalry. Next is some light cavalry and then another Heavy Cavalry Brigade.